National Military Appreciation Month in the Age of COVID-19

In his latest column, the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs (SDDVA) Secretary Greg Whitlock, acknowledges the challenging events we are living through right now. He encourages us to remember that we're united in fighting the unseen monster currently plaguing global society.

He is also reminding us that May is National Military Appreciation Month. Normally it would be a time filled with commemorative events like Loyalty Day on May 1, Victory in Europe, and Military Spouse Appreciation Day on May 8, Armed Forces Day, May 16, and Memorial Day on May 25.

Keeping in mind the social contact guidelines we're following right now, Secretary Whitlock asks all of us to simply educate ourselves about these "Heroes, who set aside their personal lives and safety, to defend and protect our families, our communities, and our nation from those who would threaten our way of life."

Our way of life, whether we choose to think about it or not, is directly dependent on the actions our service members took decades ago and the vigilance they maintain every day in locations near and far.

To me, this is, at the very least, worth numerous good thoughts and prayers for our military members, past and present.